Summary: Low Self-esteem is a struggle faced by many of us. This sermon presents the concepts of self worth and esteem, and offers concrete steps that can help us move to positive self-esteem.

Today’s message is a Request Sermon. It’s a topic that could have been submitted by about half of the congregation, and often plays a major part in depression. The request was this: "Self-esteem is an issue I have worked hard to achieve. It is hard for me to hear that I am not worthy." That could have been a request that I would have turned in. Chances are it could also have been yours. In my study for today’s sermon, there were two authors who proved helpful in their insight and direction, and I thank them: Travis Smalley (1) and Mike Fogerson (2).

I.

THE FEELING OF LOW SELF ESTEEM IS ONE OF HUMANITY’S

MOST CONSISTENT CONCERNS

A. All of us want to feel we are succeeding. However, we so often fall short of what we hope for

John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States. He held more political offices than anyone in the history of our country. He was president, a senator, congressman, the Secretary of State, and United States minister to the Netherlands, Germany, France, Russia and England. After his retirement, he was reelected to congress, and was active in the opposition to the practice of slavery. John Quincy Adams was a statesman who molded the fiber of our nation. (3) At the age of 70, he made the following statement: "My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I didn’t have any success in anything I undertook. (4) Now there is an individual who suffers from a low self esteem

B. To fail in our efforts has an effect on our perception of our worth. To be accused of failure by others can place a strain on one’s self esteem. It may not destroy, but the feeling and worry of failure can remain always.

Stephen Pile wrote a book titled The Incomplete Book of Failures. In it he lists various efforts that didn’t succeed, and no doubt weakened its advocate’s self esteem.

Thomas Edison’s teacher said, "He was too stupid to learn."

Albert Einstein’s teacher said "Albert was mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams."

Decca records rejected the Beetles.

A newspaper editor fired Walt Disney because he lacked ideas.

Years later, Disney studios rejected "Star Wars" as a movie project, claiming it would flop at the box office. (5)

It’s this type of situation that can cause those in charge to begin to question their self-esteem and image.

II.

JUST AS MOST PEOPLE FALL SHORT IN THEIR POSITIVE SELF IMAGE, SO MOST HAVE COMMON HUMAN RESPONSES TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

A. Some insist there is no problem. They claim "I’m OK." I’ve got no trouble in this area at all.

In the 1950’s the psychologist Eric Berne began to develop a psychological theory which he called "Transactional Analysis." Every human being, he said is made up of three alter ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. These three states are always in communication within the mind of each of us. It was a new concept and popularized a new model in social relationships and psychoanalysis. (6)